French Troop Withdrawals:
- Ivory Coast, Chad, and Senegal have requested the withdrawal of French troops, with Ivory Coast’s President Ouattara announcing a deadline of January 31, 2024.
- Chad terminated its defense cooperation agreement in November, while Senegal called for the closure of all French military bases in December.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Reasons for Withdrawal Requests:
- National Sovereignty:
- France’s military presence in former colonies (Ivory Coast, Chad, and Senegal) has been seen as incompatible with national sovereignty, according to local governments.
- Presidents like Mahamat Daby of Chad argue that ending defense agreements is necessary to restore national independence.
- Public Dissatisfaction:
- Despite fighting insurgencies tied to ISIS and al-Qaeda since 2014, French troops failed to prevent the spread of insurgency, leading to anti-French sentiments.
- Shift in Regional Relations:
- West African nations are diversifying their security and political alliances, increasingly turning to Russia for military support.
Impact on West African Countries:
- Insurgency and Terrorism: The withdrawal has not solved the insurgency problem in countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which still rank highly on the Global Terrorism Index.
- Regional Alliances: The anti-French sentiment has led to the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso), which may now extend to Chad, Senegal, and Ivory Coast for regional counter-terrorism efforts.
Implications for France:
End of ‘Françafrique’:
- France’s influence in Africa, which it maintained through colonial-era pacts (known as ‘Françafrique’), is effectively over.
Political and Economic Setbacks:
- France’s political influence in Ivory Coast and other countries is diminishing, undermining its economic interests in the region.
Military and Global Reputation:
- The withdrawal of troops challenges France’s image as a global leader in counter-terrorism and a defender of human rights, as its military presence supported pro-France leaders.
Uncertain Future in Ivory Coast:
- Ivory Coast may remain somewhat tied to France due to enduring political and economic ties.
Larger Trend of Declining European Influence:
- Geopolitical Shifts: Europe’s declining presence in Africa is attributed to internal struggles (e.g., the war in Ukraine) and a focus on domestic issues like migration.
- Rise of Russia and China:
- Russia has capitalized on the military vacuum left by France, while China’s economic influence grows through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative.
- EU Challenges: Europe’s trade surplus with Africa has dropped significantly, and its foreign policy is increasingly inward-looking, with less emphasis on African expansion.
Russia’s Growing Influence:
- Russia has gained ground by filling the military gap left by French withdrawals, offering security partnerships without the democratic baggage associated with the West.
Future Outlook:
- Europe may shift to more security-focused foreign policies, while China and Russia continue to expand their influence in Africa, presenting challenges for European powers.
